YECHON AIR FORCE BASE,Republic of Korea -- Military police accomplished more than just airfield security during their deployment with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 in March.
Bonds of friendship developed as the guards stood daily posts with Korean Air Force MPs in support of Exercise Foal Eagle.
"The Marines stood gates for eight-hour shifts alongside Korean MPs," said Gunnery Sgt. David A. Walker, Foal Eagle Korea security chief. "The working relationship with the Koreans was great. They actually looked forward to standing duty with them."
The extended exposure between the two services brought unexpected opportunities for the Marines.
"I got a chance to learn how to speak and write Korean," said Lance Cpl. William Dean Coleman Jr., Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron military policeman. "I helped to explain some English to them too."
According to Lance Cpl. Hank E. Guilfoyle, H & HS military policeman, the MPs also exchanged gifts, including military items, throughout the deployment.
"They've been really nice," Guilfoyle said. "They share food, family pictures - all kinds of gear like MP armbands and (physical training) outfits. They don't have much personal stuff, but they give it."
Guilfoyle said that experiencing the Korean's generosity and positive attitude affected him as well.
"They never complain, even though they have rough hours," he said. "They motivate you because you become more thankful for what you have."
"Anyone who complains about working too hard needs to look at these guys," affirmed Lance Cpl. Phil Mckaughan, H & HS military policeman. "They go four hours on, four hours off, nonstop for six weeks before they get a three-day vacation."
According to Mckaughan, the gates weren't the only place the law enforcers met. The basketball court and soccer field provided further opportunity for interaction.
"Just hanging out with these guys has built good relationships," Mckaughan said. "They don't speak fluent English, but we have a translator that we use a lot."
The language issue didn't stop the fun. According to Mckaughan, the Marines enjoyed an occasional practical joke and assigned each of their Korean counterparts American names.
Such was the fate of Staff Sgt. Jaewoo Jung, Korean Air Force military policeman, otherwise known as "Bob." Jung was pelted with a Vienna sausage during a food bombing one afternoon.
"I think that working together has been very funny," Jung said. "I want our friendship to be forever."